Area fire forces closure of Forest Trail section

NORDMAN — A small section of Forest Trail 162 on the Priest Lake Ranger District has been closed due to increased fire activity, according to District Ranger Tim Knight.

The 150-acre Gleason fire is approaching Trail 162, which is located on the west end of Squaw Valley. The trail, which connects Squaw Valley Road to the Colville National Forest, has been closed for public safety from its junction with Trail 231 to the top of Gleason Mountain.

The Gleason Mountain fire was started by lightning on July 15, 2016. Safety concerns with remoteness and accessibility of the area, has the Priest Lake Ranger District actively monitoring the fire and identifying points to engage firefighters if needed and when safe to do so.

“The trail closure will be lifted as soon as it is safe for the public,” said Knight. “We will make another public announcement when that section of the trail is re-opened.”

Information: Shoshana Cooper, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, public affairs officer, 208-765-7211